Two wildfires ravaging parts of New Mexico have spread across more than 23,000 acres of land, New Mexico’s State Forestry Division said Wednesday afternoon, leaving thousands evacuated and one person reportedly dead as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.
The South Fork Fire is estimated to have burned 16,335 acres while a second fire—dubbed the Salt Fire—has burned through an estimated 7,071 acres, according to a Wednesday afternoon update from the state forestry division.
The fires, which began Monday, were 0% contained as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the state forestry division.
Officials estimate 8,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas, while multiple outlets reported at least one person has died and two have been injured.
Approximately 1,400 structures have been destroyed in the fires, according to the state forestry department.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency Tuesday for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
California currently has seven active wildfires, according to Cal Fire. The most severe—dubbed the Post Fire—broke out on Saturday and has spread across 15,690 acres, data shows.
New Mexico Wildfire: Rapidly Growing Fire Scorches 13,000 Acres, Prompts Evacuation Orders (Forbes)
New Mexico issues state of emergency amid deadly wildfires (CBS News)
At least one dead due to New Mexico wildfires, thousands evacuated (Reuters)
New Mexico Battles ‘Devastating’ Wildfires as Weather Complicates the Fight (The New York Times)
Los Angeles Wildfire Burns More Than 10,000 Acres (Photos) (Forbes)
